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A Visit from the Wall that Heals

September 07, 2010

For many of us, the Vietnam War was a part of history we could only learn about in textbooks. But for more than 2.7 million United States service men and women, it was a life and death reality, something from which to heal rather than merely read about.

To aide in that healing process, the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund created a half-scale replica of the official Vietnam Veterans Memorial in 1996. This replica, called “The Wall That Heals”, travels all around the United States, giving millions of people the chance to visit the wall in person. For so many men, women, and children who don’t have the resources to make the trip to Washington DC to see the official monument, this traveling memorial provides a rare opportunity to remember and pay respect to the more than 58,000 loved ones who lost their lives in the longest battle ever fought in American history.

On September 30, 2010, this precious memorial will be arriving in our very own community! From September 30 to October 3, “The Wall That Heals” will be on display in the Blue Springs Pink Hill Park, 2715 NW Park Drive. During this time, the public may visit, free of charge, 24 hours a day. As special recognition and appreciation for their service, every Vietnam Veteran who visits will receive a commemorate medal, lapel pin, or patch.

Because of the size and scope of the event, many volunteers will be needed and greatly appreciated. Shifts are typically four hours in length and will include assignments such as set-up and tear-down, maintenance, memorabilia collection, wall guides, and much more. If you’d like to volunteer, please contact the City of Blue Springs at 816-655-0490, email: thewall@bluesprings.gov, or visit the website at bluespringswallthatheals.net. The Blue Springs North Branch is also proudly displaying some items from the Vietnam War, as well as information about the upcoming event.